Although alcohol use is high among Australian males, putting them at an increased risk of drinking harm, few longitudinal studies have specifically focused on male alcohol use, and even fewer have considered alcohol use patterns and predictors for men of various ages. This research summary provides new evidence of the patterns and predictors of alcohol use among Australian males.

Key findings

• The vast majority of Australian men drink alcohol, and the proportion of Australian men drinking alcohol has remained relatively unchanged over the past decade. From 2013–14 to 2022, almost 9 in 10 men aged 18–57 years drank alcohol in the previous 12 months.
• However, the frequency of alcohol use (past 12 months) has changed over time, with more males drinking multiple times per week from 2020–21 onwards. This was during the peak COVID period, and further data collection points are required to determine if this change remains past 2022.
• Risky alcohol consumption (more than 4 standard drinks on a typical occasion) was found to be highest among young adults (those aged 18–29 years in 2013–14), with almost half (48%) consistently consuming alcohol at risky levels from 2013–14 to 2022.

Policymakers and practitioners should tailor their strategies to reduce risky alcohol consumption with a specific focus on young men in regional areas and older men with disability.